Evaluating E-waste management practices in buildings of the National Department of Public Works, South Africa

Abstract

E-waste is a universal problem, and in 2014, approximately 41.8 million tonnes of e-waste was generated worldwide. In 2017, the Global E-waste Monitor also indicated that there was a 5% year on year increase in E-waste globally. Despite generating its own E-waste, Africa is also the recipient of E-waste from other continents, and many high-income countries deposit their waste, illegally, into poor African countries. The E-waste management problem is not only about the amount of E-waste generated, but also the failure to formulate and implement innovative ways to manage E-waste. Despite the well-known challenges of E-waste, there has been very little research on E-waste management practices in South Africa. This research, therefore, aimed to evaluate E-waste management practices in buildings of the National Department of Public Works (DPW), South Africa. Five DPW facilities located in rural and urban areas of Gauteng, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape, were included in this research. Data was collected through a survey questionnaire with 130 respondents, supported by observations, document review and evaluation, and literature review. The results indicate that there is a general lack of formalised arrangements and knowledge about proper E-waste management. E-waste is generally stored correctly, but inconsistent recordkeeping of collection and disposal of E-waste poses a challenges in terms of the compliance of DPW to legislation. Responses to open-ended questions highlighted seven main themes: uncertainty about E-waste management practices, need for training and awareness, need for standardisation (through procedures/policies), need for recordkeeping and need for improved transparency, the opportunity to implement the waste management hierarchy and the opportunity to generate income from E-waste. Recommendations for improvement for E-waste management by DPW include the development of policies and procedures for E-waste managment, strengthening registries and recordkeeping, standardising E-waste management practices, enhancing knowledge transfer, training and collaboration, and improving monitoring and evaluation.